Japan–US Deal: Yoshinoya is buying U.S. ramen chain Kizuki International for about $28.7m, signaling continued overseas expansion in quick-service food. Crypto Payments: NOWPayments CEO Kate Lifshits argues businesses should stop paying crypto payout fees, pushing “zero-fee” email-based payout infrastructure to cut costs and complexity. AI & Inequality: An opinion piece warns AI-driven wealth concentration could create “economic species,” calling for stronger antitrust, wider AI access, and education investment. Local Business Growth: Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce launched an AI workshop series with Hofstra to help small firms apply AI to operations and marketing. Trade Policy Shock: Businesses are bracing after the U.S. chose not to renew USMCA, raising uncertainty for cross-border commerce. Circular Packaging: The U.S. Plastics Pact released updated design handbooks to help packaging be reused, recycled, or composted under evolving rules. Regulatory Risk (Cannabis): Courts reiterated that cannabis fundraising and capital deployment must follow securities laws, with new rulings in investor-fraud and SEC enforcement matters. APEC Policy: ABAC adopted recommendations in Bangkok on regional integration, digital innovation, and connectivity ahead of APEC leaders’ November meeting. Sanctions & Finance: The U.S. imposed sanctions on Iranian businessman Ali Ansari and linked firms, targeting alleged ties to Iran’s IRGC network. Community Infrastructure: West Virginia towns received $637k in grants for sidewalks and pedestrian bridges aimed at boosting accessibility and local business activity.